13 Best Biology Summer Internships for High School Students
Summer internships provide high school students interested in biology with hands-on experience in real-world research settings. These programs offer exposure to lab techniques, professional skills, and potential career paths in the field. Internships also help develop key competencies like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while allowing students to collaborate with professionals.
For students looking to expand their knowledge, competitive programs offer structured research opportunities and mentorship from experts. Some internships emphasize prestige, connecting students with top institutions, while others focus on the rigor of professional experience through active lab work. Many also provide networking opportunities, helping students form valuable academic and professional connections.
If you’re looking for more prestigious research programs, internships, and region-specific opportunities in biology and STEM, check out this set of blogs.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a six-week internship for high school students interested in biomedical research. Participants work in Stanford labs alongside faculty, postdocs, and researchers, contributing to projects in fields such as bioengineering, stem cell research, genetics, neurobiology, and immunology. The program includes training in laboratory safety, research methods, and scientific inquiry, helping students develop technical and analytical skills.
Under the guidance of mentors, students gain hands-on experience conducting experiments and analyzing data in professional lab settings. The program also includes a final poster session where participants present their research findings. This experience provides exposure to advanced research environments and opportunities to collaborate with experts in the field.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Applicants must pay an application fee, but there is no cost to attend. Participants receive a minimum stipend of $500, while students receive at least $1,500.
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 9- July 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged at least 16 with U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are eligible to apply.
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from biology and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Genspace Biorocket Research Internship Program is a 6-month paid opportunity for students interested in biotechnology and genetic engineering. As an intern, you’ll conduct research on topics like DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics, using advanced lab equipment and modern technologies.
In addition to hands-on research, you’ll receive mentorship from experienced scientists and participate in field trips to deepen your understanding of the field. Previous interns have worked on projects such as analyzing microbiome variations in Red Oak species and studying algae growth for water purification. The program also includes training to enhance your scientific communication skills.
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $2,000 stipend.
Application Deadline: January 8
Program Dates: June 30- August 15 (tentative).
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 or older by orientation and live in or attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace. Exceptions may be possible—email Genspace for confirmation.
The Broad Summer Scholars Program offers a six-week opportunity for high school students with a strong interest in science and biology, particularly where biology and medicine intersect. During the program, you’ll work closely with a scientist at the Broad Institute, engaging in original research in areas like chemical and computational biology.
Alongside research, you’ll explore various scientific careers through lectures, a college fair, and networking events with peers and professionals. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research, helping you develop public speaking skills. You’ll also have access to tutors to assist with understanding key scientific concepts and preparing for future academic studies. Additionally, you’ll receive training in creating scientific posters and presenting your work, gaining hands-on experience with both experimental and computational research techniques.
Location: The Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $3,600 stipend provided
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: June 30 — August 8
Eligibility: Rising seniors in Massachusetts within commuting distance of the Broad Institute may apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients with a B or better in science and math.
The Geosciences Bridge Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NOAA, offers a selective internship designed to help students transition from high school to university. Focused on marine and geosciences, the program admits 7-8 students annually.
Participants will engage in a curriculum covering marine biology, marine biochemistry, marine geology, physical oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and GIS/Remote Sensing techniques. The program includes lectures from faculty, field trips to apply concepts, and hands-on activities to develop practical skills. Students will also take two for-credit college courses, gaining an early introduction to university-level academics and expectations.
Location: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $500 stipend per week, with free housing, meals, and transportation all provided.
Application Deadline: May 31
Program Dates: July 1-August 9
Eligibility: High school seniors entering their first year in geosciences may apply, with preference for students attending listed institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum 2.7 GPA.
The Jackson Laboratory offers a Summer Student Program for high school and undergraduate students interested in genetics and genomics. Each year, around 40 students are selected to work alongside a diverse group of researchers passionate about the field.
During the program, you will contribute to an ongoing research project under the guidance of experienced scientists. You will also develop and execute an independent project, analyze data, and present your findings. At the end of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to present your research to peers, researchers, and guests, reflecting on the skills and experience gained over the summer.
Location: Two campuses: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine & Farmington, Connecticut.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $6500 stipend. Housing, travel, and meals will be covered.
Application Deadline: January 27
Program Dates: May 31 — August 8
Eligibility: High school seniors may apply if they will have completed Grade 12, are at least 18 years old, and are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents by the start of the program.
The JHIBS five-week virtual research program introduces high school students from underrepresented communities to neurological sciences. Participants collaborate with researchers on scientific projects, attend seminars, and take part in personal development activities.
You will interact with neuroscientists from Johns Hopkins University, gaining insights into the field and research process. The program concludes with a presentation of your research findings, either through a poster session or an oral presentation, allowing you to reflect on your work and the skills you have developed. To learn more about JHIBS, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, East Baltimore campus, Baltimore, Maryland or virtual.
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. Interns are paid an hourly wage and receive transportation funds. Virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: June — August. Specific dates have not been mentioned.
Eligibility: The in-person program is for students in the Baltimore metro area enrolled in a Baltimore City Public or Independent School. The virtual program is open to U.S. students enrolled full-time toward a high school diploma.
The Houston Methodist Academic Institute offers a 10-week summer internship where high school and undergraduate students work on translational research projects. Each intern is paired with a faculty mentor and completes an individual research project, which is presented in a poster competition at the end of the program.
Interns attend weekly career development seminars, participate in lectures from scientists and physician researchers, and receive mentorship from lab leaders. The program also includes networking opportunities and social events, allowing interns to engage with the research community. Some participants may have the opportunity to contribute to published research. Undergraduates receive stipends for their participation.
Location: Houston Methodist, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free! Stipends are awarded to undergraduate participants but unspecified regarding high school participants. The amounts will vary between $3,000-$6,000.
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: May 27 — August 1
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old can apply.
The University of Chicago Medicine’s ResearcHStart Program provides high school students with hands-on experience in cancer research. Interns work alongside scientists in research labs, exploring topics in cancer biology, immunotherapy, and genetics.
Participants design experiments, analyze data, and develop practical laboratory skills. The program also includes lectures, career development workshops, and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Location: Offered at Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois, and Rush University. All in Chicago, IL
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $3,000 (taxable) will be provided.
Application Deadline: January 20
Program Dates: 2025’s program will run from the second full week of June through the first week of August.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old, with a strong interest in scientific research or medicine, and able to commit to 8 weeks of full-time programming (40 hours per week).
The MPFI Summer Research Internship provides high school students with hands-on experience in neuroscience at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. Interns work in wet labs alongside researchers, gaining skills in genetic engineering, microbiology, microscopy, and histology.
Participants explore brain structure, neural circuits, and advanced imaging methods while contributing to ongoing research. The program concludes with a presentation of findings through a scientific abstract, helping students develop technical and communication skills. Each year, the program admits a cohort of 8 participants.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $13 stipend per hour.
Application Deadline: March 4
Program Dates: June 23 — August 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, live in Palm Beach or Martin County, and have U.S. work authorization can apply.
Project Success is a paid six-week summer research internship for high school students in Boston and Cambridge, focusing on underrepresented and disadvantaged youth interested in biomedicine. Interns work in Harvard Medical School research labs, attend seminars, and visit hospitals and biotech companies.
Participants receive computer training and mentorship from researchers who provide career guidance and technical skill development. The program encourages interest in biomedical careers, fosters critical thinking, and supports students in their academic and professional growth.
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free, stipend provided.
Application Deadline: February 3
Program Dates: June 30 — August 15
Eligibility: Open to Boston/Cambridge high school juniors or seniors (16+ by June 30, 2025) from underrepresented backgrounds, with a 2.7+ GPA, completed biology, algebra, and chemistry courses, and an interest in biomedical or health careers.
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital introduces high school students to neuroscience and neurology through research and mentorship. Participants work alongside neurologists and neuroscientists, gaining hands-on experience in labs and clinical settings.
The program begins with a boot camp to prepare students for research, followed by team-based projects guided by faculty mentors and undergraduate students. Weekly sessions with neurology experts, lab tours, and social events add to the experience. At the end of the program, students present their research findings to faculty, peers, and family.
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Cost: No cost. Stipend provided (amount not specified).
Application deadline: January 31
Program dates: June 30 — August 8
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school juniors (or rising seniors) or recent high school graduates can apply.
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship designed to spark interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences, with an emphasis on underrepresented groups. As a Hutton Scholar, you’ll work closely with fisheries professionals, gaining hands-on experience in both laboratory and field settings. You will contribute to conservation and resource management projects, including tasks like electrofishing, specimen analysis, data processing, and habitat development for aquatic vegetation and fish.
Throughout the program, you’ll also learn about various career paths in fisheries science and receive guidance on relevant academic courses. The internship provides practical experience and helps connect scientific knowledge with real-world applications, supporting your academic and career goals in environmental science.
Location: Depends on where you live. Thanks to its network of mentors, Hutton can place students within a 45-minute commute of the intern’s home.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas.
Application Deadline: January 19
Program Dates: June — August (8 weeks).
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 and live and are residents of the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.
One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in biology, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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